The first question that is usually asked by a non-Mason is, "What is freemasonry?" There are many definitions of the word, but none are complete because the organization embraces a wide scope of activity. By definition, Freemasonry is a fraternal organization, religious in character, based on the principle of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man which does charitable work in the community and among its members and through its teachings and ceremonies seeks to make good men better and thereby make the world a better place in which to live.

Freemasonry is a "voluntary" association in that no one is ever invited to become a member. Unlike college fraternities and other organizations. Freemasonry never solicits anyone to become a member. As a matter of fact, it is a violation of Masonic law for a member to invite anyone to join the Craft. A prospective member must truly come of his own free will and accord.

Freemasonry is not a religion. Sometimes outsiders claim that the Craft is a religion. Most Freemasons do belong to an established Church. Freemasons do not go to the Lodge to worship God, each Freemason goes to his own church. It is religious, in that one cannot become a Freemason unless he believes in God; but there is no religious test applied to the prospective member, nor is he required or asked to subscribe to any religious tenet or dogma. It is forbidden to discuss religion or politics in the Lodge.

Freemasonry is not a "secret society. " A secret society is one that keeps its existence in secret, and whose members do not make known their affiliation with the group.

Freemasonry is not a secret society because it does not hide its existence, members do not hide their membership; on the contrary, the organization meets in buildings located on public streets, announces its meetings in the newspapers and magazines, engraves the words "Masonic Temple" on many of its buildings, publishes periodicals, and has homes for orphans and the aged Like most organizations, it has some "secrets," but it is not a "secret society."